Changing your name with Danske Bank

How do I change my name with Danske Bank?#

Danske Bank gives two ways. Send a clear colour photo of the document that confirms your new name by secure message, in the Mobile Banking app or eBanking, or take the document to a branch with photographic identification. Its examples are a marriage, divorce or deed poll certificate, and it adds one condition: any deed poll or change of name deed "must be enrolled through the Courts to be accepted". Its page mentions no fee and gives no timescale.

Sending your document by secure message#

Danske asks for a clear colour photo, so photograph the whole document in good light, with every signature and date readable. Its page gives the steps for a secure message in its section on changing an address:

• In eBanking: log on, choose Contact at the top right, then New message; write your message, select Send message and enter your passcode.
• In the app: log on, tap Messages, then the pencil icon at the top right, choose a category and write your message; then swipe Send message and confirm with your passcode, fingerprint or face.

Danske's separate document upload page has no option for a change of name, so use the secure message. If you prefer a branch, take the document and your photo ID; Danske's branch finder lists them.

The enrolled deed poll rule#

An unenrolled deed poll is one you sign in front of witnesses and keep. GOV.UK says you can use it as proof of your new name straight away, and HM Passport Office tells its staff to accept one that is properly signed, witnessed and dated. An enrolled deed poll is recorded with a court. GOV.UK names "some banks" among the organisations that may accept only an enrolled one, and Danske's page is an example.

Danske does not say which courts it means. In England and Wales, GOV.UK describes enrolment with the High Court: it costs £53.05, you must be 18 or over to apply for your own, it can take several months, and your new name and address are published in The Gazette, which prints these notices in its London or Belfast edition. The application uses the court's own deed, form LOC020, rather than one you already have. How to enrol a deed poll sets out each step. Before you start, ask Danske whether that enrolment meets its rule.

If your deed poll is not enrolled#

Danske's list is given as examples ("e.g."), and it says nothing about a statutory declaration, a passport in your new name or a change of name recorded with the General Register Office for Northern Ireland, which nidirect describes for people born or adopted there. If you hold one of those, ask Danske in a secure message before you send anything, and keep its answer.

Meanwhile the rest can go ahead. HM Passport Office wants your deed poll and one document showing you use the new name, and its guidance lists a bank statement from the last 12 months; a bank that takes an ordinary deed poll can provide it. Ulster Bank, HM Passport Office and, for a Northern Ireland licence, the DVA have their own guides, and changing your name in Northern Ireland covers the GRONI record.

Joint accounts and everything else#

Danske's page gives one process for a change of name and says nothing separate about mortgages, credit cards or children's accounts. To take someone off a joint account, its joint account page says you can visit any branch, and everyone on the account must agree first. Its contact page lists the ways to reach it. Changing your name with your bank sets Danske's rule beside other banks' rules.